Top rally drivers to miss out in the season closing KCB Mobi Bank Series Rally in Mombasa

NAIROBI, Kenya 29th October – Deposed Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) champion, Carl Tundo, is among several big guns that will skip the season-closing KCB Mobi Bank Series Rally in Mombasa.

Other bigwigs set to miss the Saturday event in the coast include speed merchant, Alistair Cavenagh and veteran Azar Anwar with the former preparing to race in the East Africa Classic Rally.

Their withdrawal gives seasoned driver, Ian Duncan, an almost unobstructed view to finish second in the KNRC behind Baldev Chager who sealed the crown at the penultimate Guru Nanak Rally last month.

The coast showdown organized by Mombasa Motor Club (MMC) last traversed the north coast region two years ago with the round held in the south coast last year.

Speaking at the launch Tuesday, MMC steward George Njoroge said the rally will be a grand finale to what has been a successful season.

“This will be showcased by the choice of the route. It’s very smooth, very fast and drivers will definitely have fun after a long season. It’s not a car breaker.”

Njoroge announced that two spectator stages have been planned for maximum safety and enjoyment.

“Entries are still open till Thursday evening. We have seven stages out of which four will be repeated twice. There will be two spectator stages Vitengeni Youth Polytechnic and the other next to Mazingira next to the KCB Kilifi branch.”

Charger who sealed his second title since 2008 after a commanding performance at Guru Nanak will be part of the action that has 43 drivers confirmed thus far.

The 2013 2WD champion Dennis Mwenda has confirmed entry after winning the national title also with a round to spare last month.

As the 2WD continues to bring out some of the best rally driving seen in a long time, several studs who have tasted glory are expected to race including Leo Varese who has exchanged his long time VW to a lighter and faster Toyota Corolla.

Others are Sammy Nyorri, Charan and Dalbir Thethy and Gurmit Thethy.

Meanwhile, KCB has promised to continue with its long term partnership with the sport.

Speaking at the same function Director of Logistics Asiko Owiro added, “We have been sponsors for the last 11 years as of now we do not want to lose it. We and the Kenya Motor Sports Federation have partnership and today we can call it being linked at the hip. Parting ways will not be easy.”

Recce for coast round is scheduled for Friday according to clerk while scruteneering and documentation will also be held on the same day from 11am to 5pm at the Concord Motors Kilifi.

The rally starts on Saturday morning at 7am outside the local branch of the bank and will see the drivers tackle Mwangea, Mazingira, Creek, Malomani, Dngicha areas.

The ceremonial finish is set from 4pm at the same location.

From: Capital FM

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Frank Okemwa